The Cubs are likely to be busy during the trade deadline.
The Chicago Cubs kicked off the 2024 season with high hopes for a postseason run, and they had good reasons to be optimistic. After narrowly missing the playoffs last year, they brought back Cody Bellinger, signed All-Star pitcher Shota Imanaga, and hired top manager Craig Counsell during the offseason.
Despite these moves, which were expected to propel them into the playoffs, the Cubs’ season hasn’t gone as planned. With a record of 48-53, Cubs president Jed Hoyer has acknowledged that, unless there’s a sudden turnaround, the team will shift its focus to the future at the trade deadline. This doesn’t imply a complete sell-off, but rather a retooling of the roster with an eye on 2025 and beyond.
Given this outlook, it’s likely that these four players could be wearing different uniforms within a week.
4) Drew Smyly can help teams in need of bullpen help
The Cubs’ bullpen has had its challenges this season, yet Drew Smyly has stood out, which is surprising given his reputation as a starting pitcher. The left-hander has a solid 2.96 ERA in 26 appearances and 37 innings this season, proving valuable not just as a left-handed reliever but also as a long reliever.
Smyly has pitched at least two innings in 10 games and has recorded more than three outs in 16 of his 26 appearances. Although he hasn’t been used much in high-pressure situations, his ability to eat innings in less critical moments can be very beneficial as the season progresses.
The Cubs would need to cover a significant portion of his contract, as he is owed the remainder of a $10.5 million salary for this season and has a mutual option for next season with a $2.5 million buyout. However, if they can trade him and get something in return for a player who won’t be around in 2025, it would be worth considering.
Potential Smyly fit: San Diego Padres
3) Kyle Hendricks’ Cubs tenure is on thin ice
This situation is somewhat disheartening, as Kyle Hendricks is a beloved figure among Cubs fans. Since his debut in 2014, he’s been a key part of the team, including as the starting pitcher in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, which they won. However, it seems his time with the Cubs might be coming to an end.
Hendricks has struggled recently, with a 6.69 ERA over 18 appearances (13 starts) and 75.1 innings. Nevertheless, he’s shown improvement lately, making him a potential asset for a team needing starting pitching depth.
In his six starts since rejoining the rotation in mid-June, Hendricks has a 4.45 ERA, although this is inflated by one particularly bad game. He’s kept earned runs to three or fewer in five of those six starts.
Similar to Smyly, the Cubs might need to cover most of Hendricks’ remaining salary to facilitate a trade, but since that cost is already incurred, it’s worth considering. Given the demand for starting pitchers, other teams might show interest if Hendricks is available with minimal financial commitment.
Potential Hendricks fit: Cleveland Guardians
2) Hector Neris can help a contending team down the stretch
Hector Neris was brought in this offseason to play a crucial role in Chicago’s bullpen, but his performance has been inconsistent. With a 3.74 ERA, he hasn’t been terrible, but he’s squandered four of his 17 save chances and has issued a troubling 24 walks in 33.2 innings, which translates to 6.4 walks per 9 innings.
Despite this disappointing season, Neris has a strong track record as a reliable late-game reliever. Last year, he posted a sub-2.00 ERA with the Astros and was a key contributor to their World Series win in 2022.
His $9 million salary is a concern, especially since his 2025 club option turns into a player option if he makes 60 appearances (he’s 24 away from that milestone). However, as bullpen help is a common need for many contending teams, Neris could become a valuable asset at the trade deadline if the Cubs are willing to absorb some of his salary. They might not get a lot in return, but any compensation is better than nothing.
Potential Neris fit: Houston Astros
1) Jameson Taillon is an intriguing name to watch at the trade deadline
Each of the first three players will be eligible for free agency at the end of this season, making them potential candidates for trade discussions. In contrast, Jameson Taillon will not be a free agent this year; he remains under team control until 2026, with a salary of $18 million for the next two seasons.
Although Taillon’s contract is not inexpensive, his performance this season justifies the cost. He has recorded a 3.10 ERA over 16 starts and 93 innings. While he doesn’t generate many strikeouts, he has issued only 18 walks (1.7 BB/9) and allowed three earned runs or fewer in all but one start. That’s impressive!
Trading Taillon now could be advantageous for the Cubs, as they would be capitalizing on a 32-year-old having the best ERA of his eight-year career. For teams looking for players with club control, Taillon is a strong option.
The Cubs might need to absorb some of Taillon’s contract to secure a better return, but his excellent pitching could make it easier to find a taker without needing to cover too much of his salary.
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